The size of the town is no indication of the strength of the community at Trangie. The success of the 2012 campdraft was attributed to the community groups and individuals from the shire who banded together, so willingly, to provide quality livestock and transport for some 900 cattle, portable yards, water trucks, canteen and bar facilities and not to mention our local stock and station agent, Peter Cruickshank, who kept the draft rolling from the announcers box, during the three days of competition.

The events commenced on Friday afternoon April 20 with some 90 competitors in the Louise Estens Encouragement Draft, capably judged by Mrs Sue Wilson from Glen Lee Australian Stock Horse Stud, Gilgandra. The first three places were all awarded to locals: first place went to Sybil Adams, second to Simon McCutcheon and third Clarrie Swift (president). Cattle for this event were kindly donated by Phil Hitchcock “Hillside” Trangie and Ballalaba Pastoral Company, Collie. Competitors enjoyed a complimentary barbecue hosted by the Trangie Campdraft Committee on Friday night.

An early start of 6.30am on Saturday saw 180 competitors compete in The Dandaloo Café Maiden Draft under the watchful eye of judge Warwick Lawrence from the Hunter Valley, a renowned horseman in his own right. First place went to John Hardie, Warren and equal second and third place went to David Wilson, Glen Lee ASH Stud, Gilgandra. Our thanks go to the Chase family from “Waitara” Angus Stud, Trangie for the supply of quality Angus cattle for the Maiden, Junior and Juvenile events.

Midday, Saturday saw the Junior Drafters (8 years to under 13 years) grace the arena. Judge Peter Garlick watched 37 competitors go through their paces. The winner was Laura Lawrence from Rosebrook, Hunter Valley and second place went to Will Bolam of Tullamore.

The Juvenile Draft (U13-U17years) was judged again by Peter Garlick. This event was closely contested with local Trangie Pony Club competitors pushing the scores up. The eventual winners were first Zac Mooney- Blayney, second Samantha Cormie-Coonabarabran and third and fourth Trangie Pony Club riders Ryan Walsh and Aimee McMaster.

The PW Cruickshank Open Draft commenced with some 78 competitors. Judge Tommy Steiger had his job cut out as competition was hard and fast with top competitors riding accomplished horses, tackling the big and fast “Chatswood” steers. The top 10 competitors were to run in the final the next day.

As the dust settled on Saturday, the Trangie Men’s Shed had been cooking up a storm and a great meal was enjoyed by all. The Trangie Campdraft Association helped raise money for the Trangie Men’s Shed by running a calcutta auction for the final of the Open Draft to be run the following day. Bidding was brisk as the top 10 riders were hotly contested. As it eventuated the winner of the Open Final the next day was Warwick Lawrence on “Casual” and this combination had been purchased by committee member Sybil Adams. The committee was lucky to capture the services of the talented touring band “Benn Gunn”. This was a four-man band headed up by Benn Gunn himself who was originally from the Dubbo-Forbes area. Many dancers from seven to 70-years-old rocked on, well past midnight.

Sunday competition commenced at 6.30am as 90 ladies lined up for the John Lordon Saddles Ladies Draft, judged by Warwick Lawrence. Thanks to Mr Kater and Mat O’Neill (manager of “Chatswood”) for the loan of the cattle. The winner was Lara Garlick from Orange who put the beast around the course in a very professional manner. Second was Carol Cable from Rydal.

The $1000 Novice Draft was sponsored by Carter, Lindsay and Weber and was hotly contested under the eye of judge Warwick Lawrence. Norma Jones from Geurie took out the first place in the final, closely followed by Adam Sadler. The Open Final was a great finale to the weekend. The Drafting was of a high standard and exciting to watch. Judge Tom Steiger awarded first place to Warwick Lawrence riding “Casual” and second place to Glenn Petersen from Cowra. A great weekend of quality drafting was enjoyed by all. A full schedule of results will be in next week’s issue of the Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.